Scientists and conservation groups are warning that a third of the oceans must be closed to fishing for upwards of two decades in order for depleted fish stocks to recover.

A green paper revealed that 88% of European Union stocks are overfished, with 30% outside safe biological limits. They’re suggesting fleet reductions as well as a dramatic cut in fishing and the inclusion of marine protected areas.

Iceland, Canada and the US have increased fish populations and recovery of seabed habitats by utilizing marine protected areas.

In New England, in the 90’s, a quarter of the fishing areas were closed to vessels and fishing was cut in half. In the last ten years, theres been great fish recovery in those waters.

Worldwide there are presently 4000 marine protected areas. They cover less than one percent of the world’s oceans.